Lakeland Police Department Training Center Programs

In 2016, through the successful raising of funds and organizing fundraising events, the Fallen Heroes Memorial was constructed. This memorial honors the seven (7) officers of the Lakeland Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice in their commitment to protect Lakeland's citizens. Additionally, it serves as a tribute to the families of these officers, whose lives were profoundly affected by the loss of their loved ones. The foundation aims to provide ongoing care for the Fallen Heroes Memorial through generous donations and fundraising events, ensuring that we continue to Respect, Honor, and Remember the sacrifices made by our Fallen heroes.

The Lakeland Police Foundation is dedicated to promoting and supporting the ongoing education of both past and present members of the Lakeland Police Department and their children. Bi-annually, the foundation invites applications from LPD members for educational grants. The Board of Directors reviews these applications based on established criteria and votes to approve the monetary grants awarded to the selected recipients.

The Lakeland Police Foundation offers vital monetary support to past, present, and future members of the Lakeland Police Department, along with their children who face financial hardships due to job-related fatalities, serious injuries, chronic or terminal illnesses, and natural disasters. The Foundation aims to strengthen the LPD family by providing assistance, ensuring that as the LPD members receive support, they can enhance the services and value they deliver to the broader community.

Many citizens are not aware that when a police canine (K-9) retires after years of service to the Lakeland community, they are usually adopted by the Lakeland Police Department canine handler (officer) or other private citizens. As such, the LPD member or citizen who adopted the retired canine assumes all financial responsibility for the canine for the remainder of its life. Realizing the costs of care can place an enormous burden on the LPD member or citizen who volunteered to adopt the retired canine, the foundation established the Retired K-9 Care Program Assistance Fund. This fund provides monetary support, directly to approved veterinarian providers, for any critical care procedures provided to an adopted/retired LPD police canine.

 

The Lakeland Police Department's Explorer Program is tailored for young adults interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. Participants in the Police Explorers program receive comprehensive training during weekly meetings and special training sessions. As Explorers, they are educated in various essential areas of law enforcement, including:  

· Traffic Stops,  

· Accident Investigations,  

· Crisis Intervention,  

· Domestic Violence,  

· First Aid,  

· Search and Arrest,  

· In-progress Calls,  

· Crime Scene Processing,  

· Criminal and State Statutes.  

Each year, the Explorers take part in the State Explorers' Competition, where they can showcase their skills alongside other young adults from across Florida.  

LPD Explorers convene every Monday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Lakeland Police Department Training Center, situated at 3131 Centurion Drive.  

Additionally, Explorers have the unique opportunity to participate in ride-alongs with officers, gaining invaluable real-life experiences. To qualify, Explorers must be at least 16 years old, complete the 40-hour Ride-Along Academy, and obtain advisor approval.

LPD Legacy Day is an annual event established as a mechanism to foster relationships between the Lakeland Police Department retirees and the agencies current officers. The foundations goal in hosting this event is to create an atmosphere where past and present officers can share their law enforcement experiences and create new friendships. 

 The Annual Retiree Luncheon is an event held in April of each year at the Lakeland Police Department Training Center and is usually attended by about 150 people, both active/retired. The foundation adopted this event in 2022 as an opportunity to show appreciation to our former Lakeland Police Department members (retirees) for the many years of service they provided to the department and the great Citizens of Lakeland. This event is held in conjunction with the Lakeland Police Department and the Lakeland Police Employees Association.